Pinot Noir
Red grape · Light, elegant red from Burgundy.
Unofficial study resource · not affiliated with or endorsed by WSET®In short
Light to medium body, high acidity, and low to medium tannin, with red cherry and raspberry, turning earthy and forest-floor with age. It is famously difficult to grow.
Where it grows
Burgundy is its heartland, plus Oregon, New Zealand, and cooler parts of California.
Food pairing
Salmon, duck, and mushroom dishes.
Why it matters for WSET
The classic light-bodied, high-acid, low-tannin red, and a common benchmark in the tasting exam.
Practise your grape knowledge
Grape varieties are core WSET material. Try free practice questions with explanations, then get the full bank and a wrong-answer notebook in the Eclavin app.
Download Eclavin on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
Is Pinot Noir sweet?
No, it is dry. The bright red-fruit flavour can seem sweet, but there is little sugar.
Why is Pinot Noir so light?
Its thin skins give low tannin and pale colour, so the wine feels delicate compared with bolder reds.